Best In View

Tournament this weekend! Have you signed up yet?

https://events.golfstatus.com/event/2026-cure-for-spg-47-golf-fundraiser

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆
2025 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝

Every month, as the sun begins its descent over downtown Crestview, something special happens. Families stream in, the air fills with the aroma of diverse cuisines, and neighbors who might otherwise pass each other with a wave settle in for an evening of connection. This is Food Truck Friday, and it's become far more than just another community event.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐥

"Food Truck Friday was born from a desire to create a gathering place where our community could come together around something everyone enjoys: great food," explains the driving force behind the monthly tradition. But step into any Friday evening event, and you'll quickly realize the food is just the beginning.

The vision was clear from the start: showcase small local businesses while creating space for genuine human connection. "The experience is more than just eating; it's about building community spirit, celebrating Crestview, and creating lasting memories," the organizers share, and that intention shows in every carefully planned detail.

What attendees experience, those few magical hours on a Friday night, represents weeks of behind-the-scenes coordination that most never see. Melissa Parsons Carter, the Special Events Coordinator for the City of Crestview, works alongside an incredible team, supported by dedicated community partners including Kristy Kolmetz of Main Street Medical Center & The Vue MediSpa, Amy Koger of Baby and Me Boutique, and Amanda Sanders of Gordon Martial Arts. Together, they handle everything from vendor layouts and safety regulations to entertainment coordination and community outreach. It's the kind of teamwork that makes the complex look effortless, turning logistics and planning into an evening that feels spontaneous and welcoming.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Ask what makes Food Truck Friday truly memorable, and the answer goes beyond the rotating roster of vendors or even the all-ages entertainment. "What truly makes Food Truck Friday memorable is the combination of variety and atmosphere," the team explains. Each month brings new culinary discoveries, ensuring there's always something different to try.

But the real magic lies elsewhere. "The heart of the event is the community vibe. From kids laughing to families gathering downtown, Food Truck Friday has become a tradition where people don't just come for the food; they come for the fellowship and fun."

That distinction matters. In an age where we're more digitally connected yet somehow more isolated, Food Truck Friday offers something increasingly rare: a reason to show up, to be present, to share physical space with the people who make up the fabric of our community.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭

For the team behind Food Truck Friday, success isn't measured in attendance numbers or vendor counts, though both continue to grow. The moments that truly resonate come in different forms entirely. "The moments that mean the most to us are when families community traditions," the team explains. They envision a future where new businesses continue to find their footing, where families create monthly traditions that span generations, and where visitors experience firsthand what makes Crestview special.

"We want it to remain a place where new businesses can shine, where families and friends connect, and where visitors experience the warmth of our city," they say, painting a picture of sustained community investment.

The commitment runs deep, supported by ongoing partnerships tell us that Food Truck Friday has become 'their tradition,’” the organizers share. Parents report that their children count down the days until the next event. Vendors express gratitude for the support they receive, support that translates directly into the sustainability of their small businesses.

These testimonials represent more than positive feedback. They're confirmation that the vision is working, that what started as an idea has evolved into something woven into the rhythm of community life. "Those words remind our whole team and our partners that what we're building isn't just an event; it's a tradition that strengthens our city."

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝

As Food Truck Friday continues to grow, so does the vision for its role in Crestview's future. The goal isn't simply to maintain what exists but to expand and deepen the impact. "Our vision is for Food Truck Friday to keep growing as one of Crestview's signature and a dedication to fostering connection, supporting local enterprise, and cultivating civic pride."With the dedication of my team and the continued partnership of leaders like Kristy Kolmetz and Amy Koger, we see Food Truck Friday playing a long-term role in fostering connection, supporting local business, and creating a sense of pride in Crestview."

What looks like a simple monthly event is actually something far more significant. It's an investment in the social infrastructure that holds communities together. It's an incubator for small businesses trying to build something lasting. It's a tradition that gives families shared experiences and children memories they'll carry forward.

As the sun sets each month and downtown Crestview comes alive with conversation, laughter, and the shared experience of good food among neighbors, Food Truck Friday proves that sometimes the simplest ideas, the ones built around our most basic needs for nourishment and connection, can become the traditions that define us.

Two food truck spots available! Tag your food truck besties who need a permanent spot!

🚚 Calling All Food Trucks!

We have 2 open food truck spots available at our busy Little Haven location at 895 W. James Lee Blvd, Crestview!

We’re looking food trucks to join us and grow together in a high-visibility location on 90, close to the new bypass with an amazing community atmosphere. This is a semi-permanent, monthly lease opportunity, a great chance to establish your business in a consistent spot while benefiting from shared traffic.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect place to grow your business, we’d love to connect!

Text “Truck Spot” to 850-696-7037 for more information.

Did you know we have an app?

That right! It’s never been easier to vote daily for your favorite local businesses and people, explore everything Crestview has to offer, and read the stories behind the faces and places you love.

Download here:
https://wix.app/mobile.apps/M6Q4we3?ref=cl

Invite Code: DMHMYC

We have more than doubled last years total votes in four days! Wow!!!

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Absolutely wonderful 🩷

With all the rain we’ve been getting lately, this felt fitting.

🌧️🌱☔️

Growth isn’t always obvious while you’re in the middle of it. Sometimes it looks messy, slow, emotional, exhausting, or uncertain. But even in the hard seasons, progress is still happening.

At 850 Therapy, we get the privilege of watching children grow little by little every single day and those small moments add up to something beautiful.

🎉 IT’S OFFICIALLY TIME TO VOTE! 🎉

Voting is now OPEN for the 2026 Best In The View Community Choice Awards!

First, congratulations to all of the amazing businesses, leaders, and individuals who made it to the Voting Round. Your community sees you, supports you, and appreciates the impact you make throughout Crestview and the surrounding areas.

We are currently working to notify everyone who advanced to the voting round. However, we do not have contact information for every nominee, so if you see a business or person you know on the ballot, please tag them, share this post, or help spread the word so they know they made it!

This year, we have also updated and strengthened our Rules & Regulations to protect the integrity of these awards and ensure they truly represent the best of the best within our community.

These awards are about genuine leadership, professionalism, reputation, community impact, and positive contribution, with the door open and shut, not clout, behind closed doors bullying, manipulation, or inappropriate behavior. We take that responsibility seriously.

Last year, we made the difficult decision to ban a participant after receiving multiple complaints and hard evidence involving predatory and aggressive behavior. We stand by prioritizing the safety, integrity, and reputation of our community and these awards, even when it is not the 'popular' decision. We want everyone to feel safe and confident to celebrate their hard-earned achievements.

Please take a moment to carefully review the updated rules before voting.

✅ You may vote daily for all your favorite people and businesses
✅ Voting ends June 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT

Let’s celebrate the businesses and people who truly make Crestview shine. ❤️

Best In View Voting | So Socialites Welcome to the 2026 Best In the View Community Choice Awards poll online ballot! Please read the 2026 Rules & Regulations as they have been recently updated. Each vote must be submitted by one verified email address. The spirit of voting is one vote per person.

Ohhhhhh. Glory To Glory Ice Cream is outdoing themselves with this one! Go check them out! They are at Lou Lou Beans Gift Shop Crestview, FL until 8pm!